The best walks and hikes around St. Paul

Yes, many parks in St. Paul are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Highly-regarded parks like Crosby Farm Regional Park and Battle Creek Regional Park welcome leashed dogs on their trails. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.

Definitely. Hidden Falls Regional Park is a local favorite, featuring a charming waterfall that is easily accessible via a short trail. For another option, Shadow Falls Park offers a serene setting with a trail leading down to its own waterfall and views of the Mississippi River.

St. Paul has numerous easy trails perfect for a family outing. The trails at Indian Mounds Regional Park are generally flat and offer great views of the river and city skyline, along with historical points of interest. The paved paths at Crosby Farm Regional Park are also an excellent choice, providing a gentle walk through a peaceful, wooded environment.

Yes, many of St. Paul's parks feature paved trails. Hidden Falls Regional Park has about 6.7 miles of paved paths that are great for strollers. Crosby Farm Regional Park also offers extensive paved trails through its woodlands, making it another accessible option for a smooth walk.

Hiking in St. Paul is enjoyable year-round, but autumn is particularly spectacular. The trails along the Mississippi River bluffs, such as those in Cherokee Regional Park, offer stunning fall colors. Summer provides lush greenery in the floodplain forests, while spring brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls.

The majority of trails are rated as easy. Most routes are on flat or gently rolling terrain, often within city parks or along the river. For a bit more of a challenge, some trails in Battle Creek Regional Park include steeper sections and a 200-foot elevation gain, providing a moderate workout.

The trails around St. Paul are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the surprising feeling of being immersed in nature so close to the city, the beautiful views of the Mississippi River from the bluffs, and the well-maintained paths in the regional parks.

Most regional parks in St. Paul, such as Crosby Farm, Hidden Falls, and Battle Creek, are free to enter and use. However, state parks like Fort Snelling State Park require a vehicle permit for entry, which can be purchased for a day or a full year.

The parks around St. Paul are home to a variety of wildlife. It's common to see deer, foxes, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species, especially along the Mississippi River corridor. While black bears exist in Minnesota, they are not typically seen on trails within the city limits of St. Paul.

Many of the most popular trails in St. Paul are loops. For example, the Harriet Island & Cherokee Regional Parks loop offers a scenic circuit with river views. You can easily find more circular routes by using the 'Tour type' filter in the komoot Route Planner and selecting 'Round trip'.

Dressing in layers is key. Minnesota weather can change quickly. Wear moisture-wicking clothing and bring a waterproof jacket, even if the forecast is clear. Sturdy walking shoes are sufficient for most paved and dirt paths, but waterproof hiking boots are recommended for muddier trails, especially in the spring or after rain.

Yes, if you're looking for something more strenuous than a flat walk, the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park loop is a great option. This 5.7-mile trail includes some elevation changes as it follows the river gorge, offering a solid moderate hike.